Fiber optic module and chassis

ABSTRACT

A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis and a plurality of modules removably mounted within the chassis. The modules include one or more fiber optic signal input locations. The modules include optical equipment for splitting the input signals into customer output signals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/678,421, filed Nov. 8, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,969,555, issuedApr. 6, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/125,082, filed Sep. 7, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,473,877, issuedNov. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/483,293, filed Apr. 10, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,073,233, issuedSep. 11, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/995,374, filed Jan. 14, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,618,719, issuedApr. 11, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/643,697, filed Oct. 26, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,239,442, issuedJan. 19, 2016, which is a National Stage Application ofPCT/CN2010/072247, filed Apr. 27, 2010, and which applications areincorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim ofpriority is made to the above disclosed applications.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to fiber optictelecommunications equipment. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to fiber optic modules and chassis for holding fiber opticmodules.

BACKGROUND

In fiber optic telecommunications systems, it is common for opticalfibers of transmission cables to be split into multiple strands, eitherby optical splitting of a signal carried by a single stranded cable orby fanning out the individual fibers of a multi-strand cable. Further,when such systems are installed, it is known to provide excess capacityin the installations to support future growth and utilization of thefibers. Often in these installations, modules including splitters orfanouts are used to provide the connection between transmission fibersand customer fibers. To reduce the cost and complexity of the initialinstallation and still provide options for future expansion, a modulemounting chassis capable of mounting multiple modules may be used insuch an installation.

While the demand for added capacity is growing rapidly, this demand isbeing met in part by increasing the density of fiber optic transmissionequipment. Even though fiber optic equipment permits higher levels oftransmission in the same or smaller footprint than traditional coppertransmission equipment, the demand requires even higher levels of fiberdensity. This has led to the development of high-density fiber handlingequipment.

Further improvements in adding fiber optic capacity and increasingdensity are desired.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications assemblyincluding a chassis and a plurality of modules mounted within thechassis. The modules include one or more fiber optic signal inputlocations. The modules include optical equipment for splitting the inputsignals into customer output signals.

According to one example embodiment, the fiber optic signal inputlocation is provided by a connector protruding from the module. Withinan interior of the chassis at each mounting location are positionedcorresponding fiber optic adapters. Inserting the module through a frontopening of the chassis at a mounting location positions the connectorsof the modules for insertion into and mating with the adapters of thechassis. According to another example embodiment, the fiber optic signalinput location is provided at the front of the module housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a telecommunications assembly witha plurality of fiber optic modules installed within a chassis, with oneof the adapters and the shield structures exploded out of thetelecommunications assembly;

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the chassis configured to house aplurality of the fiber optic modules shown in FIG. 1 , the chassis shownwith a plurality of adapters mounted therein;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the chassis of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the chassis of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 10 is a left side view of the chassis of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the chassis of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the chassis of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a chassisconfigured to house a plurality of the fiber optic splitter moduleshaving front signal input locations;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the chassis of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the chassis of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 16 is a left side view of the chassis of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the chassis of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the chassis of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of one of the fiber optic modules ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 23 is a right side view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 19 ,shown without a cover exposing the interior features of the fiber opticmodule including routing of a fiber optic cable within the fiber opticmodule;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 24-24 of FIG.23 ;

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 26 illustrates a front perspective view of the fiber optic moduleof FIGS. 19-25 , the fiber optic module configured as a front-inputmodule;

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a top view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 26 ;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 26 ;

FIG. 30 is a right side view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 26 ,shown without a cover exposing the interior features of the fiber opticmodule including routing of a fiber optic cable within the fiber opticmodule;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 31-31 of FIG.30 ;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 26 ;

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the main housing portion of thefiber optic module of FIGS. 19-32 , the main housing portion shown inisolation without the internal components mounted therein;

FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the main housing portion of FIG.33 ;

FIG. 35 is a right side view of the main housing portion of FIG. 33 ;

FIG. 36 is a left side view of the main housing portion of FIG. 33 ;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the main housing portion of FIG. 33 ;

FIG. 38 is a top view of the main housing portion of FIG. 33 ;

FIG. 39 is a front view of the main housing portion of FIG. 33 ;

FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the cover of the fiber opticmodule of FIGS. 19-32 ;

FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of the cover of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 42 is a right side view of the cover of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 43 is a left side view of the cover of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 44 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 45 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of a friction clamp configured foruse with the fiber optic module of FIGS. 19-32 ;

FIG. 47 is a right side view of the friction clamp of FIG. 46 ;

FIG. 48 is a bottom view of the friction clamp of FIG. 46 ;

FIG. 49 is a front view of the friction clamp of FIG. 46 ;

FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of the cable exit structure of thefiber optic module of FIGS. 19-32 ;

FIG. 51 is a rear perspective view of the cable exit structure of FIG.50 ;

FIG. 52 is a left side view of the cable exit structure of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 53 is a front view of the cable exit structure of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 54 is a rear view of the cable exit structure of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 55-55 of FIG.54 ;

FIG. 56 is a top view of the cable exit structure of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of a fiber retainer configured to becoupled to the main housing portion of the fiber optic module as shownin FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 58 is a rear perspective view of the fiber retainer of FIG. 57 ;

FIG. 59 is a right side view of the fiber retainer of FIG. 57 ;

FIG. 60 is a left side view of the fiber retainer of FIG. 57 ;

FIG. 61 is a front view of the fiber retainer of FIG. 57 ;

FIG. 62 is a top view of the fiber retainer of FIG. 57 ;

FIG. 63 illustrates a fiber optic module partially inserted within thechassis of FIG. 1 , the chassis including an adapter mounted thereon,the fiber optic module shown in a position prior to the connector of themodule having contacted a shield located within the chassis;

FIG. 64 illustrates the fiber optic module of FIG. 63 , shown in aposition within the chassis with the connector of the fiber optic modulemaking initial contact with the shield;

FIG. 65 illustrates the fiber optic module of FIG. 63 , shown in a fullyinserted position within the chassis;

FIG. 66 is a side cross-sectional view of the fiber optic module of FIG.64 within the chassis, taken through the center of the fiber opticmodule; and

FIG. 67 is a side cross-sectional view of the fiber optic module of FIG.65 within the chassis, taken through the center of the fiber opticmodule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a telecommunications assembly 10 that includes atelecommunications chassis 12 and a plurality of fiber optic modules 14adapted to be mounted within the chassis 12. The fiber optic modules 14are configured to be slidably inserted within the chassis 12 through afront opening 34. According to one example embodiment, the fiber opticsignal input location is provided by a connector 20 protruding from therear of the fiber optic modules 14. For each mounting location 52 of thechassis 12, there are positioned corresponding fiber optic adapters 16.Inserting the module 14 through the front opening 34 of the chassis 12,at a mounting location 52, positions the connectors 20 of the modules 14for insertion into and mating with the adapters 16 of the chassis 12.The adapters 16 form connection locations between the connectors 18terminated to an incoming fiber optic cable and the connectors 20 of themodules 14 mounted within the chassis 12 (e.g., when the modules areconfigured as rear-input modules). The adapters 16 are similar to thoseshown in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As will bediscussed below, in other embodiments, the fiber optic signal inputlocation may be provided at the front of the module housing and thechassis may be configured accordingly.

The chassis 12 of the telecommunications assembly 10 includes a top wall26 and a bottom wall 28 extending between a pair of opposing transversesidewalls, the right sidewall 30 and the left sidewall 32, a rear wall40, and the front opening 34. Depending upon the signal input locationused on the fiber optic modules 14 as will be discussed in furtherdetail below, the rear wall 40 of the chassis may or may not beconfigured for mounting adapters 16 for mating with connectors 20protruding from the modules 14. As shown in FIG. 1 , for embodiments ofthe chassis that are configured to receive rear signal input modules,the chassis 12 includes spring-mounted shields 360 that are biaseddownwardly. The shields 360 are mounted to the chassis 12 via a pin 362.The shields 360 are located adjacent the rear of the chassis 12 and arepositioned in front of the adapters 16. The shields 360 are configuredto provide protection against accidental exposure to fiber optic light.Insertion of the splitter module 14 into the chassis 12 pushes theshields 360 out of the way, and the connector 20 of the module 14 can becoupled to the adapter 16 mounted at the rear wall 40 of the chassis 12as shown in FIGS. 63-67 .

Although the chassis shown in the present disclosure are depicted asbeing able to accommodate three fiber optic modules 14, the chassisdepicted herein are simply example embodiments, and different sizedchassis may be provided as part of the telecommunications assembly 10,depending upon the density of the system. There might be embodimentsthat hold twelve or even twenty-four fiber optic modules 14.

The chassis 12 shown in FIGS. 1-12 is configured to occupy one standardunit (RU) of rack space within a standard telecommunications rack. Insuch an embodiment, the chassis 12 may include a height between about 2and 3 inches. More preferably, the chassis 12 may include a height ofabout 2.3 inches or about 2.322 inches.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the chassis 12 includes a plurality of mountinglocations 52 for slidably receiving the modules 14. Referring to FIG. 1, the rear wall 40 of the chassis 12 is configured for mounting adapters16. As previously noted, for chassis that are configured to receivefiber optic modules 14 that are set-up as front input modules, the rearwall of the chassis does not include fastener-based mounting locationsfor mounting adapters 16. Such an embodiment of a chassis 212 is shownin FIGS. 13-18 .

For all embodiments of the chassis, adjacent the front end 157 of thechassis, the top wall defines a slot 155. The slot 155 is for receivinga latching tab 150 of a flexible latch 140 of a fiber optic module 14.As shown in FIG. 1 , the latching tab 150 includes a ramped face 152that causes the flexible latch 140 to elastically deflect downwardlywhen a module 14 is being inserted into chassis 12. The latching tab 150also includes a square face 154 that is configured to act as a stopwithin the slot 155 for keeping the module 14 snap-fit within thechassis 12. The removal of the module 14 from the chassis 12 isperformed by pressing the latch 140 downwardly to clear the square face154 of tab 150 from the slot 155 and sliding module 14 away from thechassis 12.

FIGS. 19-25 illustrate one of the fiber optic modules 14 of theassembly. The module 14 shown in FIGS. 19-25 is configured as arear-input module having a signal-input location 68 that is locatedadjacent the rear 70 of the module 14 for inputting a fiber optic signalinto the module 14. As previously noted and as will be described infurther detail, the module can be configured as a front-input modulethat has signal-input locations adjacent the front 72 of the module.FIGS. 26-32 illustrate the module configured as a front-input module.When a module 14 is used in a front-input configuration, an aperture 182at the rear wall 90 of the module 14 that is normally used to receive afiber optic connector 20 may be covered by an insert piece 244. Itshould be noted that the fiber optic module 14, whether it is configuredas a rear-input module or a front-input module, utilizes generally thesame module components such as the main housing portion 74, the cover76, the cable exit structure 78, and the fiber retainer 80.

Referring now to FIG. 25 , the fiber optic module 14 includes a modulehousing 82. The module housing 82 includes the main housing portion 74(shown in isolation in FIGS. 33-39 ) and the removable cover 76 (shownin isolation in FIGS. 40-45 ). The main housing portion 74 includes afirst transverse sidewall 84 (i.e., a left sidewall) extending between atop wall 86, a bottom wall 88, a rear wall 90, and a front wall 92.Removable cover 76 defines a second transverse wall 94 (i.e., a rightsidewall) of the module housing 82 and closes off the open side 96 ofthe module main housing 74.

The cover 76 is mounted to the main housing portion 74 by fasteners.through fastener mounts 98 defined on main housing portion 74 (see FIG.25 ). The bottom wall 88 of the main housing portion 74 defines a bottommounting flange 64 and the top end of the cover 76 defines a topmounting flange 66 for sliding the module 14 into the chassis 12. Thebottom wall 88 and the bottom flange 64 define a channel 65 thatprovides a keying system with the chassis 12 for correctly orienting thefiber optic modules 14 during insertion.

A height HM of the module 14 is defined between the top wall 86 and thebottom wall 88. The height HM of the module 14 is preferably configuredfor mounting the module 14 within a chassis occupying one standard unit(RU) of rack space within a standard telecommunications rack. In such anembodiment, the module 14 may include a height HM of between about 2 and3 inches. More preferably, the module 14 may include a height HM ofabout 2.166 inches.

The rear wall 90 of main housing portion 74 includes a curved portion100 configured to provide bend radius protection to cables within theinterior 102 of the main housing 74. The rear wall 90 of the mainhousing 74 also includes an inset portion 104. As shown, a fiber opticconnector 20 positioned at the inset portion 104 protrudes rearwardlyfrom the rear wall 90 for mating with a fiber optic adapter 16 mountedadjacent the rear 40 of the chassis 12.

Each module 14 includes a cable exit structure 78 extending from thefront wall 92 of module main housing 74. The cable exit structure 78 isshown in detail in FIGS. 50-56 . The cable exit structure 78 defines afront end 106 and a back end 108 and an opening 110 extendingtherebetween. The cable exit structure 78 defines a top wall 112, abottom wall 114, a right sidewall 116, and a left sidewall 118. A firstpartition 120 adjacent the back end 108 of the cable exit structure 78divides the opening 110 into two distinct channels 122 at the rear end108. A bulkhead 119 at the back end 108, adjacent the bottom wall 114,can be used as a second partition 117 when the module 14 is used as afront-input module. As shown in FIG. 32 , two openings 121 are punchedout from the cable exit structure 78 for insertion of input cables intothe main housing portion 74. When the two openings 121 are punched out,the bulkhead 119 provides a second partition 117 at the back end 108 ofthe cable exit structure 78 and divides the main opening into threedistinct channels 122. The partitions 117, 120 may include curvedsurfaces for guiding cables downwardly and/or upwardly while providingbend radius protection.

As shown in FIG. 25 , the cable exit structure 78 is slidably mounted tomain housing 74 and captured by the cover 76. The cable exit structure78 defines protruding lips 132 that are slidably inserted into recesses134 defined around the front apertures/channels 130 of the main housing74. The cover 76 also includes slits 136 that receive protruding lips132 defined at the right sidewall 116 of the cable exit structure 78. Asshown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the cable exit structure 78 is preferablysized thin enough to fit within the profile of the fiber optic module 14to preserve the density of the telecommunications assembly 10.

Still referring to FIG. 25 , the main housing 74 (shown in isolation inFIGS. 33-39 ) of the module 14 includes an integrally formed flexiblelatch 140 (i.e., cantilever arm) that is adapted to engage a portion ofthe chassis 12 to hold module 14 within the chassis 12. Flexible latch140 also deflects to permit withdrawal of the module 14 from the chassis12. Opposite the flexible latch 140, the main housing portion 74 alsoincludes a fixed handle 141 defined by the bottom wall 88. A user cangrasp the handle 141 and the latch 140 at the same time for pulling orpushing purposes. Within interior 102 of main housing 74, the module 14includes a first radius limiter 160 (e.g., a spool) adjacent the curvedportion 100 of the rear wall 90 of the main housing 74. A fiber retainer80 (shown in detail in FIGS. 57-62 ) may be placed on the main housingportion 74 to keep cables wrapped around the first radius limiter 160.The fiber retainer 80 includes a generally circular shape to match thecontour of the curved portion 100 of the rear wall 90 of the mainhousing 74.

A connector 20 of the module 14 projects out from rear wall 90 at theinset portion 104 of the rear wall 90. The connector 20 of the module 14is slidably inserted into a connector aperture 182 defined at the rearwall 90 of the main housing 74. Once slidably inserted, the connector 20is captured within the housing 82 by the cover 76.

Adjacent the bottom wall 88 of the main housing 74, within the interior102, is placed an optical component 164 such as a fiber optic splitteror a fan-out. It should be noted that although the modules 14 of thepresent disclosure are depicted and described as being splitter modules,other types of telecommunications equipment such as combiners,attenuators, equalizers, multiplexers/demultiplexers, etc. may beprovided in the modules 14.

The optical component 164 is held within the interior 102 of the mainhousing 74 by a clamp structure 186. The clamp structure 186 includes apair of friction clamps 187 (e.g., a rubber gasket) that are insertedbetween an upper clamp wall 190 and a lower clamp wall 188. The upperand the lower clamp walls 190, 188 define notches 194 for slidablyreceiving tabs 189 of the friction clamps 187. The friction clamps 187are made from materials having a high coefficient of friction tofrictionally hold the optical component 164 within the clamp structure186. One of the friction clamps 187 is shown in isolation in detail inFIGS. 46-49 .

It should be noted that different optical components may have differentthicknesses and may require the use of different sized clamp structuresincluding the clamp walls and the friction clamps for holding theoptical component in place. The bottom clamp wall 188 is positioned toleave a space 196 between the bottom wall 88 of the main housing 74 andthe bottom clamp wall 188 for accommodating fiber optic cables that arerouted within the module 14 (see FIGS. 23 and 30 ). When the module 14is used as a front input module, input cables are also routed throughthe space 196, as will be discussed in further detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 25 , the module main housing 74 also includesintegrally formed crimp holders 198 (e.g., slots) extending in a stackedarrangement generally from the top wall 86 to the top clamp wall 190 ofthe module main housing 74. Crimp elements 200 crimped to ends of cablesthat are split by the optical component 164 are slidably received intothe crimp holders 198. Each crimp element 200 defines square flanges 202between which is defined a recessed portion 204. The crimp holders 198include complementary structure to the crimp elements 200 such that oncethe crimp elements 200 are slidably inserted into the crimp holders 198,the crimp elements 200 are prevented from moving in a longitudinaldirection. Once slidably inserted, crimp elements 200 are held in placeby the cover 76 that is mounted to the splitter module main housing 74.In the embodiment shown, there are eight crimp holding slots 198, eachone being able to accommodate up to four crimp elements 200 for a totaloutput capacity of thirty-two cables. As such, a 1:32 fiber opticsplitter may be housed within the module 14. Other numbers are possible.

The topmost crimp holder defines a wall 191 adjacent the top wall 86 ofthe main housing 74 (see FIGS. 34 and 35 ). The wall 191 is positionedto leave a space 193 for guiding fiber optic cables during routing ofthe cables within the module 14.

The main housing portion 74 also includes cable management structures195 located between the crimp holders 198 and the front wall 92 of themain housing 74. The cable management structures 195 are defined asprotrusions that extend from the left transverse sidewall 84 of the mainhousing 74 toward the cover 76. The protrusions defining the cablemanagement structures 195 define channels that align with the slotscreated by the crimp holders 198 for guiding cables out of the module14. The protrusions define eight channels for the eight crimp holdingslots 198.

Adjacent the front wall 92 of the main housing 74, the module 14includes a bulkhead 201 that separates the front wall 92 of the mainhousing 74 into two exit channels 130. In addition to guiding cables tothe cable exit structure 78, the bulkhead 201 also defines a slot 203for allowing cables to be routed in a direction from the top wall 86toward the bottom wall 88 of the module. The top clamp wall 190 and thebottom clamp wall 188 also define slots 205 for allowing cables to berouted into the space 196 formed adjacent the bottom wall 88 of the mainhousing 74.

FIG. 23 shows the fiber optic splitter module 14 without the cover 76exposing the interior features of fiber optic splitter module 14including a sample routing of a fiber optic cable within the fiber opticsplitter module 14, when the module is used as a rear input module. Inthe example embodiment shown and described, the optical component 164 isa fiber optic splitter that splits the signal of a single strand to aplurality of secondary signals. In another embodiment, the first cablemay be a multi-strand fiber cable with a plurality of strands of opticalfiber, and the optical component may be a fanout to separate theindividual strands into each of a plurality of second cables.

If a splitter is utilized, the splitter may be a 1×32 splitter. Othersplitter configurations such as a 1×16 or 2×16, etc., could be used inother embodiments.

An outside cable may extend to the rear end of an adapter 16 within thechassis 12 and be terminated by a connector 18 that is opticallyconnected to the connector 20 of the module 14 through the adapter 16once the module is inserted within chassis 12. Once the first cable 270is split, second cables 272 extend from optical component 164 and arelooped around first radius limiter 160 before being directed toward thecrimp holders 198. From the crimp holders 198, cables 274 crimped to theother ends of the crimps 200 exit the module 14 through the cable exitstructure 78.

It should be noted that the routing of the fiber optic cables withinmodule 14, as shown in FIG. 23 , is only one example and other ways ofrouting the cables within the module 14 are possible.

It should be noted that although the connectors 18, 20 and the adapters16 depicted herein are of the SC type, other types, formats, styles, andsizes of telecommunications connectors and adapters may be used.

As discussed above, the module 14 can be configured as a front-inputmodule that has signal-input locations/connections 276 adjacent thefront wall 92 of the module main housing 74. Referring to FIGS. 26-32 ,the module 14 is shown configured as a front-input module that may havetwo front signal-input locations 276 in a stacked arrangement extendingfrom the left sidewall 84 to the right sidewall 94 defined by the cover76. As described previously, two openings 121 may be punched out fromthe cable exit structure 78 for insertion of input cables into the mainhousing portion 74. The number of openings 121 used may be based on thetype of splitter (1×32, 1×16, 2×16, etc.) or other optical elementsprovided in the module housing 82.

As shown in FIG. 32 , each input connection 276 includes a boot 278 thatmates with a crimp element 280. The crimp element 280 defines acircumferential notch 282 (i.e., recessed portion). The circumferentialnotch 282 is slidably inserted into a crimp holding structure 289defined between the bottom wall 88 of the main housing portion 74 andthe bottom clamp wall 188. The crimp elements 280 of the inputconnections 276 are captured by the cover 76 when the cover 76 ismounted on the module main housing 74.

As discussed previously, when the module 14 is used as a front-inputmodule, the aperture 182 that is normally used to receive the fiberoptic connector 20 for inputting the input signal may be covered by aninsert piece 244 (see FIG. 32 ).

FIG. 30 shows the fiber optic splitter module 14 without the cover 76exposing the interior features of fiber optic splitter module 14 whenthe module is configured as a front-input module. FIG. 30 alsoillustrates a sample routing of a fiber optic cable within fiber opticsplitter module 14.

As shown in FIG. 30 , a first cable 270 extends from the front inputconnection 276 toward the rear end of the module 14, passing underneaththe clamp structure 186 through the space 196 defined between the bottomwall 88 of the main housing 74 and the clamp structure 186 toward thefirst radius limiter 160. After going around the radius limiter 160, thecable 270 is directed toward the front of the module 14. The cable isrouted through the slot 203 defined by the bulkhead 201 and directedinto the optical component 164. Once the first cable 270 is split,second cables 272 extend from the optical component 164 and are loopedaround first radius limiter 160 before heading toward the crimp holders198. From the crimp holders 198, cables 274 crimped to the other ends ofthe crimps 200 exit the module 14 through the cable exit structure 78.

Fiber optic modules that are similar to the modules 14 described hereinare shown and described in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,376,322;7,400,813; 7,376,323; and 7,346,254, the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

The insertion of a module 14 into the chassis 12 of thetelecommunications assembly 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 63-67 . FIG. 63illustrates the fiber optic module 14 partially inserted, wherein themodule 14 is shown in a position prior to the connector 20 of the module14 having contacted the spring biased shield 360 located within thechassis 12. FIG. 64 illustrates the module 14 in a position with theconnector 20 making initial contact with the shield 360. FIG. 65illustrates the module 14 in a fully inserted position within thechassis 12.

FIG. 66 is a side cross-sectional view of the fiber optic module 14within the chassis 12, taken through the center of the fiber opticmodule 14, wherein the module 14 is in a position within the chassis 12with the connector 20 making initial contact with the shield. FIG. 67 isa side cross-sectional view of the module 14 within the chassis 12,taken through the center of the module 14, wherein the module 14 is in afully inserted position within the chassis 12.

As the shield 360 is fully deflected, further insertion of the module 14brings the connector 20 of the module 14 into contact with the adapter16 and the connector 20 is received within the front end 292 of theadapter 16. The flexible latch 140 is deflected downwardly as the module14 is inserted and then flexes back upwardly so that the latching tab150 of the main housing 74 is captured within the slot 155 for keepingthe module 14 snap-fit within the chassis 12. The module 14 is now inposition to process and transmit signals through first cable 270,optical component 164, and second cable 272 within the module interior.The removal of the module 14 from the chassis 12 is performed bypressing the latch 140 downwardly to clear the square face 154 of thelatching tab 150 from the slot 155 and sliding the module 14 away fromthe chassis 12.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telecommunications assembly comprising: A. achassis defining a plurality of mounting locations for slidablyreceiving telecommunications modules; and B. a telecommunications moduleinserted into one of the mounting locations of the chassis, thetelecommunications module comprising: i. a housing having a main housingportion and a removable cover cooperatively defining an interior, themain housing portion defining a first sidewall, a front wall, a rearwall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, the cover defining a secondsidewall of the housing when mounted on the main housing portion toclose off the interior, the main housing portion including a signaloutput location defined on the front wall; ii. an optical componentlocated within the interior, the optical component configured to receivea fiber optic input signal coming in from a signal input location of thehousing and output a fiber optic output signal going toward the signaloutput location defined on the front wall of the main housing portion;and iii. a cable exit structure defining a top wall and a bottom wall,the cable exit structure defining the signal output location on thefront wall, the cable exit structure defining an integrally formedunitary structure extending along at least a majority of a heightdefined between the top wall to the bottom wall of the main housingportion, wherein the telecommunications module further comprises aflexible latch for mounting to the chassis with a snap-fit interlock,wherein at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall of the cableexit structure is positioned adjacent the flexible latch without anotherintermediate structure being positioned between a flexible end of thelatch and the cable exit structure and provides spacing for allowingflexing of the latch for unlocking the telecommunications module fromthe chassis.
 2. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 1,wherein the telecommunications module is configured as a rear inputmodule, wherein a fiber optic adapter that is mounted to the chassisseparately from the telecommunications module is configured to mate witha connector that protrudes from the rear wall of the main housingportion when the telecommunications module is inserted into the chassis.3. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 2, wherein eachmounting location includes a spring-loaded shield for blocking light offa front end of the fiber optic adapter, the shield movable between anoperating position and a non-operating position, the shield configuredto be moved from the operating position to the non-operating position bythe telecommunications module when the module is slidably insertedwithin the chassis.
 4. A telecommunications assembly according to claim1, wherein the height of the telecommunications module that is definedbetween the top wall and the bottom wall of the main housing portion isbetween 2 and 3 inches.
 5. A telecommunications assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the chassis includes a latch slot, the latch slotconfigured to receive a portion of the flexible latch of thetelecommunications module for forming the snap fit interlock with themodule for retaining the module within the chassis.
 6. Atelecommunications assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flexiblelatch of the telecommunications module is defined adjacent the top wallof the main housing portion, the telecommunications module furtherincluding a fixed handle adjacent the bottom wall of the main housingportion opposite the flexible latch.
 7. A telecommunications assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the chassis includes a plurality of thetelecommunication modules inserted into the chassis.
 8. Atelecommunications assembly according to claim 1, wherein the opticalcomponent mounted within the module includes a fiber optic splitter, thefiber optic splitter configured to split a single signal incoming intothe module into a plurality of same outgoing signals.
 9. Atelecommunications assembly according to claim 1, wherein when thetelecommunications module is configured as a front input module, thecable exit structure defines an opening for receiving optical fibercables carrying the fiber optic input signal.
 10. A telecommunicationsmodule comprising: a housing having a main housing portion and aremovable cover cooperatively defining an interior, the main housingportion defining a first sidewall, a front wall, a rear wall, a topwall, and a bottom wall, the cover defining a second sidewall of thehousing when mounted on the main housing portion to close off theinterior, the main housing portion including a signal output locationdefined on the front wall; an optical component located within theinterior, the optical component configured to receive a fiber opticinput signal coming in from a signal input location of the housing andoutput a fiber optic output signal going toward the signal outputlocation defined on the front wall of the main housing portion; and acable exit structure defining a top wall and a bottom wall, the cableexit structure defining the signal output location on the front wall,the cable exit structure defining an integrally formed unitary structureextending along at least a majority of a height defined between the topwall to the bottom wall of the main housing portion, wherein thetelecommunications module further comprises a flexible latch formounting to a telecommunications fixture with a snap-fit interlock,wherein at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall of the cableexit structure is positioned adjacent the flexible latch without anotherintermediate structure being positioned between a flexible end of thelatch and the cable exit structure and provides spacing for allowingflexing of the latch for unlocking the telecommunications module fromthe telecommunications fixture.
 11. A telecommunications moduleaccording to claim 10, wherein the flexible latch of thetelecommunications module is defined adjacent the top wall of the mainhousing portion, the telecommunications module further including a fixedhandle adjacent the bottom wall of the main housing portion opposite theflexible latch.
 12. A telecommunications module according to claim 10,wherein the telecommunications module is configured as a rear inputmodule such that the signal input location is defined by a connectorthat protrudes from the rear wall of the main housing portion, theconnector configured for mating with a fiber optic adapter.
 13. Atelecommunications module according to claim 10, wherein the height ofthe telecommunications module that is defined between the top wall andthe bottom wall of the main housing portion is between 2 and 3 inches.14. A telecommunications module according to claim 10, wherein themodule includes a fiber optic splitter within the module, the fiberoptic splitter configured to split a single signal incoming into themodule into a plurality of same outgoing signals.